
When it comes to the number of students enrolled, universities vary greatly in size. While some universities have a few thousand students, others have several hundred thousand. The university with the highest number of students varies depending on the methodology used to measure student population. For instance, Indira Gandhi National Open University is the most extensive university system globally, with around 7.14 million students enrolled. On the other hand, as of the 2023/24 academic year, Tribhuvan University in Nepal had the highest number of registered students in terms of full-time equivalents, with 482,000 students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the university | Indira Gandhi National Open University |
| Location | Delhi, India |
| Number of students enrolled | 7.14 million |
| Year of the data | 2024 |
| Learning venues | Open and distance learning |
| Curriculum | Research, teaching, extension, and training |
| Second largest university | California Community College System |
| Number of students enrolled in the second largest university | 2.1 million |
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What You'll Learn

University size is measured by enrollment and campus area
University size is typically measured by two main factors: enrollment and campus area. Enrollment refers to the number of students enrolled at a university, giving us an idea of the scale of the academic community. Higher enrollment often means a larger student body, contributing to a more diverse and vibrant campus life. With more students, universities can offer a broader range of academic programs and extracurricular activities, providing students with more options to explore their interests. For instance, Texas A&M University in Texas has an enrollment of over 68,000 students, making it one of the largest universities in the world.
On the other hand, campus area refers to the physical size of the university grounds, including buildings, dormitories, and recreational facilities. A larger campus area can provide students with extra space to study, socialize, and engage in various activities. It can also give a sense of freedom and openness. However, a large campus area may also lead to a more decentralized feel, with scattered buildings and facilities. In contrast, a university with a concentrated campus area may appear more interconnected, despite having a smaller enrollment.
While big colleges may boast high enrollment, their campus area might be relatively small, resulting in a compact and densely populated campus. Conversely, a university with lower enrollment may surprise with a spacious campus, affording its students ample room to roam. The distribution of resources within the campus area also plays a role in shaping the university experience. A campus with closely located academic buildings, dormitories, and student life facilities can foster a sense of community and interconnectedness.
The size of a university can significantly impact a student's experience. Large universities can be exhilarating for some, offering a vast array of programs, renowned faculty, and a diverse student body. However, they may also feel overwhelming. Small colleges, on the other hand, tend to provide a more intimate environment, making it easier to develop close-knit communities and long-lasting relationships with professors and staff. They may, however, offer fewer academic majors and programs, and social opportunities may be more limited.
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The University of California system has the most students
The University of California system has the highest number of students enrolled, with almost 300,000 graduate and undergraduate students across its 10 campuses. The University of California system consists of several individual campuses throughout the state that are all referred to as "The University of California", followed by the campus location, such as "University of California, Berkeley". The University of California system has a diverse student body, with Latinos being the largest group at 37%, followed by Asian Americans at 34%, white non-Hispanics at 20%, and African Americans at 5%. The University of California system also has a high percentage of low-income students, with 68% of California undergraduates receiving grants and scholarships, and 53% paying no tuition.
The University of California system has a history of record-breaking enrollment, with the fall 2024 enrollment being the largest and most diverse in its history. The University of California system has also seen an increase in the number of students from underrepresented groups, including African Americans, Latinos, and Native Americans/Pacific Islanders. The University of California system's commitment to expanding access and opportunity for California students has resulted in a wave of growth that will lead to more college graduates in the years to come.
The University of California system's large student body can be attributed to its multiple filing system, where students can apply to multiple UC campuses with one application, paying a fee for each campus. This system has significantly increased the number of applications to the Berkeley and Los Angeles campuses, as students can choose a campus after receiving acceptance letters. The University of California system also has a referral pool where campuses with open spaces may offer admission to eligible students who were not accepted to their campus of choice.
The University of California system's high enrollment numbers have a significant economic and social impact on California. The increase in the number of in-state students and students from underrepresented groups translates into a more highly skilled workforce and an improved economic outlook for their families and communities. The University of California system's commitment to expanding access to higher education in the state is reflected in its robust support for advanced education and research, with graduate students making up 21% of total enrollment.
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Arizona State University has the most students of any single campus
Arizona State University (ASU) has the highest number of students enrolled in a single campus. In the fall of 2023, the university had a total undergraduate enrollment of 65,174 students. This figure represents the highest number of undergraduate students of any single-campus university in the United States.
ASU is a public institution founded in 1885, with a vast campus spanning 2,030 acres in an urban setting. The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including more than 400 undergraduate degrees and over 450 graduate degree programs and certificates. ASU's degree programs are highly ranked, with U.S. News & World Report placing 83 of them in the top 25 in the country, including 44 in the top 10.
ASU is recognized for its academic excellence and innovation. It has been ranked as the country's most innovative school by U.S. News & World Report, and its programs are consistently ranked among the best in terms of student success and groundbreaking research. ASU's commitment to sustainability is also noteworthy, as it is ranked third on the Environmental Protection Agency's Green Power Partnership Top 30 College & University Partners listing.
The university fosters a diverse and inclusive community, with 7,300 first-year on-campus students identifying as minorities in the fall of 2024, the largest percentage of new minority first-year students in the university's history. ASU also has a significant population of veteran and military-affiliated students, with over 18,000 enrolled in the same year. The university's dedication to accessibility and inclusivity solidifies its position as a leader in higher education, offering a transformative academic journey to a diverse array of students.
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Texas A&M University has over 68,000 students
Texas A&M University is a public research university with a student population of almost 60,000 as of fall 2023, according to U.S. News data. However, other sources state that the university has over 68,000 students, with one source claiming that as of fall 2021, Texas A&M was the largest American university with an enrollment of 72,982 students. The university offers a wide range of academic and research opportunities, with a diverse range of over 1,000 student organizations and clubs catering to various interests. Texas A&M is particularly known for its strong engineering, business, agriculture, and science programs. The student body at Texas A&M is diverse, with students coming from all 50 U.S. states and over 120 other countries, with a notable percentage of international students at 7.42%. The university has a strong sense of community and pride, with rich traditions such as the 12th Man, Aggie Muster, and Midnight Yell. The Aggie Network is also one of the most active and supportive alumni organizations, providing valuable opportunities and connections for students. Texas A&M University's large student population and diverse academic offerings make it a prominent and attractive institution for higher education.
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NYU has nearly 60,000 students
New York University, or NYU, has experienced substantial growth since its inception, with its student body increasing from 158 students during its first semester to approximately 60,000 students today. This expansion has not been limited to its campuses in New York City, but has also extended to its global network of academic centres and sites. NYU has established a presence in various countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America, catering to a diverse student population.
NYU's main campus in Manhattan accommodates over 50,000 students across five major centres. The university's international presence is further strengthened by its academic sites in sought-after locations such as Abu Dhabi, Shanghai, Paris, Prague, Sydney, and Buenos Aires. This global reach has contributed to its impressive enrolment numbers.
NYU's student body is notable not only for its size but also for its diversity. Students hail from nearly every state in the United States and 133 countries worldwide, bringing a range of perspectives and cultural experiences to the university. This diversity is further enhanced by the inclusion of international perspectives through its global academic centres.
As the largest private research university in the United States, NYU undertakes a significant amount of research, with annual investments reaching $1.27 billion. The university's commitment to research and scholarship is evident, and it fosters a rigorous and demanding educational environment for its large student population. NYU's reputation extends beyond academics, as it is also recognised for its alumni's success in diverse fields, including the sciences, arts, and government.
The university's growth has not been without challenges, and NYU has faced a significant increase in application numbers, resulting in a record-low acceptance rate of 7.7% for the Class of 2029. This competitiveness underscores NYU's emergence as one of the most prominent and sought-after universities in the world.
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Frequently asked questions
Tribhuvan University in Nepal had the highest number of registered students in the world for the 2023/24 academic year, with 482,000 students.
Arizona State University enrolled the highest number of students in the US, with almost 65,200 students in Fall 2023.
California State University in Fullerton has the smallest student body, with nearly 37,000 students.
Yes, Liberty University in Virginia is a private school with one of the highest numbers of students, with 44,300 undergraduate students enrolled in Fall 2023.
Yes, some universities have student populations that exceed the numbers in small cities. For example, Texas A&M University has almost 60,000 students, a number similar to the population of DeSoto, a city in Dallas.



































